RadioShack® Test Lead Kit

Comments about RadioShack® Test Lead Kit:

As the other reviewer mentioned, the long-neck clip leads do no screw onto the threads of the test probes. However, I don't have any problem with that. I am regularly removing the clip leads to probe other areas of the circuit, and having them threaded together would make switching between configurations a chore.

Even though they don't screw on, they still have a snug enough fit such that they don't disconnect accidentally. In my opinion, they're just about right.

In my most common test setup, I use the longneck clip on the negative lead, and connect it to circuit ground. Then I probe around the circuit with the positive lead. This is so much easier than having to hold both probes in place at once while trying to read (or adjust) the meter.

I don't use the alligator clips much, but they are handy from time to time. I'm glad they included them.

Comments about RadioShack® Test Lead Kit:

The main probes are better than average -- certainly much nicer than what is included with cheap to mid-level meters. The probes have a good feel and weight, and the leads are fairly flexible. The carrying case is very lightweight nylon, and its long-term durability is suspect but it is a nice bonus. The leads include caps for the banana plug ends and for the tips.

The alligator clips are very handy, and they are strong and well-insulated. They can be a little tricky to screw into place in the test leads, though (the shrouds make it hard to see if you're threading them on straight).

The mini-grabbers, too, are useful. A previous reviewer noted that they do not screw onto the main test leads. This is true. However, my set fits tightly and I do not have a problem with them falling off. The two mini-grabbers have different lead lengths in my set (almost an inch of difference), but that is within the tolerance spec given on the website (The main leads are both the same length). The wire leads used on the mini-grabbers are not as flexible as the main leads, and I would handle the grabbers with care.

Overall impressions: Nicest set you can buy locally for under $20, unless you live near a well-stocked electronics/MRO distributor. Not as complete of a set as some available online for about the same price, but you can't beat the convenience of picking up what you need at a local store.

Comments about RadioShack® Test Lead Kit:

If you like using the clip-on style test probes DO NOT get this kit. The included gator clip probes securely attach to the point probes as expected. However, the clip-on type (press to open the "J" end) probes just slide over the point ends, without any type of mechanical attachment. There are no threads inside the clip-on probes like the gator clip leads have. As a result, gravity or simply trying to untangle the wires causes the point probe to disconnect itself from the clip-on leads.

I would have rated this product much higher if the clip-on probe actually screwed onto the ends of the point probe.